Tyler Wilkin, a 35-year-old outdoorsman from Wilmington, Ohio, was found dead with a single gunshot wound to the head on the morning of July 10, 2026, while camping alone at the secluded Playa La Selva (also referred to as Playa la Selva) near Luquillo on Puerto Rico’s northeastern coast. His body was discovered in the mangroves by a beachgoer during an early-morning walk, roughly a short distance from the campsite where his tent and personal belongings remained undisturbed.
Wilkin had relocated to Puerto Rico in January 2024, drawn by the island’s beaches, outdoor lifestyle, and warmer climate. Friends described him as someone who loved swimming, hiking, fishing, and camping. In the days leading up to his death, he had organized what was intended to be a group camping trip to the remote but popular spot, which features designated campsites frequently used by families. His girlfriend, Iva Mo, dropped him off at the site on July 8. He spent the following days alone, sending photos and videos of his campsite and of catching and cooking fish. Friends were expected to join him later on July 10.
The final hours of Wilkin’s life took an unsettling turn. Late on the night of July 9 into the early hours of July 10, he began texting friends about a strange individual near his tent. He reported hearing what sounded like fireworks and someone “howling like a wolf.” Around midnight he messaged, “The howler is back!” Approximately two hours later he sent a final text: “This guy is getting rowdy, LOL.” Those were the last words anyone received from him. Mo later said she grew alarmed when the usual 6 a.m. “Good morning, love” text never arrived.
Authorities have described the killing as execution-style. Wilkin was shot once in the head (reports specify the back of the head in several accounts) at close range. No gunshots were reported by witnesses in the sparsely populated area, complicating the early investigation. Puerto Rico police recovered Wilkin’s phone and sought a court order to access its contents in an effort to reconstruct the hours before his death.
On July 30–31, Police Superintendent Joseph González publicly confirmed that investigators had identified a “person of interest” connected to the case. He emphasized that the individual had not been classified as a formal suspect and declined to release further details, citing the need to protect the ongoing probe. González stated that the FBI’s San Juan Field Office was providing technical assistance and collaboration while the case remained under local Puerto Rico Police Department jurisdiction. An FBI spokesperson later confirmed the agency was offering technical support and encouraged tips through official channels.
As of early August 2026, no arrests have been announced and no clear motive has been publicly established. Some private investigators and acquaintances have speculated that the “howling” behavior may have been deliberate stalking intended to draw Wilkin away from the relative safety of his tent, though this remains unconfirmed by authorities.
Wilkin’s family and friends have expressed deep frustration with the limited information released by local police. Mo described him as “the love of my life — my best friend” and said the sudden loss of his entire future was devastating. A GoFundMe campaign launched to hire a private investigator initially sought $15,000 and was later raised to $30,000; it has raised tens of thousands of dollars to cover investigative costs, with any surplus intended for the family. Funeral services were held July 23 at Turner & Son Funeral Home in Hillsboro, Ohio. Wilkin is survived by his parents and four siblings. One of his closest friends on the island, Jules Santiago, later told reporters the news left “the whole room cold,” noting that Wilkin was “full of life” and not the type of person typically associated with violence.
Ohio officials, including State Sen. Shane Wilkin (a relative), have inquired about the investigation. Family members continue to press for more transparency and for every possible lead to be pursued so that Tyler Wilkin receives the justice they believe he deserves.
Key sources:
New York Post,Local 12 / WKRC.